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10 Questions

England Trip
 

10 Questions - Student Spotlight

 

10 Questions with:

Elisabeth Franks
Concertmaster, Etowah Youth Symphony Orchestra, and Violin, Etowah Youth Symphony Honor Strings

Elisabeth Franks, daughter of Dr. Harold and Robin Franks, is from Oneonta, Alabama. Elisabeth, 17, has been home educated for 12 years. She will graduate May 2005 from Hope Christian School. Elisabeth enjoys working with horses, teaching children, sewing, watching movies, playing piano, and soccer.

She was inspired to play the violin at the age of four. However, she did not begin formal training until the age of eight. This was under the direction of Colonel Charles Waid, now deceased. One vivid instruction Colonel Waid gave was "Practice your violin each day that you eat. If you don't eat, you don't have to practice your violin!" For the past six years, she has been trained by Mrs. Penney Adair. Mrs. Adair has been a great influence in Elisabeth's journey.

Involvement in her church is a major part of Elisabeth's life. She teaches Children's Church and Girls' Clubs, and is an active part of the music program and bus ministry.

Elisabeth has been a State Jewel Spelling Bee Champ for 2 years, State Jewel History Project winner, and Regional Jewel Science Fair winner. She has been the State Winner for the Church of God Teen Talent Competition in Bowed Strings and has represented Alabama at the International level twice. She placed 3rd in this international competition 2004. She also represented Alabama in the Newswriting category 2004.

Participation in the Advanced Training Institute's Student Orchestra for 3 years has been a highlight, as well as attendance at the International School of Music's String Workshop in Indianapolis.

In 2004, Elisabeth was placed in the Alabama All State Festival Orchestra, held in Mobile.

She is in her second year of membership in the Etowah Youth Orchestra, and Etowah Youth Symphony Honor Strings. It has been very beneficial, greatly increasing her ability to sight read music and to play in an ensemble. The numerous performing opportunities provided by the EYO have helped her to gain confidence that she lacked previously.

1. How did your musical career begin?
When I was about four years old, I was inspired by a violin performance of Tracy Ann Collins at a conference in Knoxville, Tennessee. When she began to play I sat upright, entranced. I had already begun piano training, but did not start violin until age 8.

2. Who are your primary musical influences?
My mother, Col. Charles Waid, Mrs. Penney Adair, and Mike Gagliardo

3. What do you like to listen to when you aren't playing your instrument?
Paul Wilbur and other Messianic Praise and Worship, Mozart (because it is supposed to make you martyr-don't quite know if it works), and Celtic

4. What are your hobbies outside of music?
Horses, soccer, needlework, and watching movies

5. What has been your greatest opportunity provided to
you because of your musical talent?
Representing the Church of God in Alabama at the International Church of God Teen Talent Competitions in San Antonio, Texas and Indianapolis, Indiana.

6. What are your favorite movies or television shows?
A Beautiful Mind, Pride and Prejudice, Castaway, Charade, Hound of the Baskervilles, Mash, and Matlock

7. You can have dinner with any four people, living
or dead. Who would they be?
Itzhak Perlman, Jane Austen, Winston Churchill, and Laura Bush.

8. What are your plans after high school?
To attend EXCEL, an 8 wk course for girls in Dallas, and attend Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee majoring either in Music Education, Music Arts and Administration, or Church Music in 2006.

9. Who is your favorite historical figure?
Winston Churchill.

10. Describe yourself in four words.
Christian, shy, ambitious, and awaiting.